Rockaway Borough board ratifies teacher and administrator contracts with raises

The Rockaway Borough Board of Education on Aug. 26 approved new contracts with its teaching and administrative unions, ratifying a 2025–26 agreement for teachers and education support professionals and a two-year agreement for administrators.

The board ratified a Memorandum of Agreement with the Rockaway Borough Education Association covering certificated teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers and lunch aides that "provides a 3.6% pooled salary increase for all categories." The motion was moved by Ms. Jennifer Dahl and seconded by Mrs. Faride Hernandez; the roll call vote was all ayes.

The board also ratified a Memorandum of Agreement with the Rockaway Borough Administrators Association covering principals and directors that provides a 3.6% increase for 2025–26 and a 3.5% increase for 2026–27. That motion was moved by Mrs. Faride Hernandez and seconded by Mr. Brian Rivieccio; the roll call vote was all ayes.

Board members voted these items under the Finance section of the agenda. The agreements were presented as part of the district's collective bargaining recommendations and were recorded in the meeting minutes as approved by roll call.

The contracts affect multiple categories of school employees and will be reflected in the district's 2025–26 operating costs. The board accepted the agreements as presented and did not record any roll-call dissents or abstentions. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2025, where the board will continue routine oversight and approvals.